Organizational Plan - Hampton

Organizational Plan

October 2020

Hampton Police Division Organizational Plan

October, 2020 Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE ······························································· 4

A. FISCAL MANAGEMENT ................................................................................. 4

1. Police Systems / I.T. ............................................................................... 4

B. HAMPTON ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM (H.A.R.T.) ....................................... 5

C. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT ............................................................ 5

1. Accreditation / Inspections ...................................................................... 5

2. Court Liaison ........................................................................................... 6

3. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) ................................................... 6

4. Internal Affairs ......................................................................................... 6

5. Hampton Police Academy (formerly Training Unit) ................................. 6

6. Personnel / Recruiting ............................................................................. 7

D. PROJECT AND GRANTS COORDINATOR ................................................... 7

E. PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICERS (PIO) / SOCIAL MEDIA ........................ 7

F. SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................................................... 7

II. SUPPORT SERVICES BRANCH ···································································· 8

A. REAL TIME INFORMATION CENTER (RTIC) ................................................ 8

1. 911 Emergency Communications Center ............................................... 8

2. Planning, Research and Analysis Unit .................................................... 8

B. HOMELAND SECURITY UNIT ....................................................................... 9

D. SPECIAL PROJECTS ..................................................................................... 9

1. Police Records ........................................................................................ 9

a. Fugitive & Warrant Squad ............................................................. 10

2. Project Manager .................................................................................... 10

3. Property & Evidence ............................................................................. 10

4. School Resource Officers (SRO) .......................................................... 11

5. Special Events: ..................................................................................... 11



III. OPERATIONS BRANCH ············································································· 12

A. BID UNIT (Business Improvement District Unit) ............................................ 12

B. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT UNIT ............................................................ 12

C. TRAFFIC UNIT ............................................................................................. 13

D. UNIFORM PATROL ...................................................................................... 13

IV. INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES BRANCH ·························································· 14

A. CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS UNIT ........................................................... 14

1. ATF Task Force .................................................................................... 14

2. Violent Crime & Gang Unit ............................................................................ 15

B. CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY UNIT ......................................................... 15

1. Forensic Unit ......................................................................................... 15

C. JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCE (JTTF) ................................................. 16

D. SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT .............................................................. 16

1. Mid-Level Squad ................................................................................... 16

2. Community Response Team ................................................................ 17

3. DEA Task Force .................................................................................... 17

4. FBI Safe Streets Task Force ................................................................. 17

5. Hampton Roads Peninsula Drug Initiative (HRPDI) .............................. 17

V. SPECIAL OPERATIONS ············································································· 18

A. BIKE PATROL .............................................................................................. 18

B. CRISIS NEGOTIATION TEAM (C.N.T.) ........................................................ 18

C. JOINT POLICE AND FIRE DIVE TEAM ....................................................... 18

D. HONOR GUARD ........................................................................................... 18

E. JOINT POLICE AND FIRE UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) UNIT .... 19

F. K-9 CORPS ................................................................................................... 19

G. MARINE PATROL ANCILLIARY UNIT ......................................................... 19

H. MOBILE RESPONSE TEAM (M.R.T.) .......................................................... 19

I. SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS UNIT (S.W.A.T. or Tactical Unit) ...... 20



INTRODUCTION

The Hampton Police Organizational Plan is established to identify and describe the structural and functional components of the Hampton Police Division. The Organizational Plan will be updated, as needed, by the Hampton Police Division Planning, Research and Analysis Unit. An Organizational Chart is also maintained and updated, as required, by the Hampton Police Division Planning, Research and Analysis Unit.



THE FOLLOWING IS THE WRITTEN ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN FOR THE HAMPTON POLICE DIVISION DESCRIBING THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH FUNCTION WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION.

I. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE

The Chief of Police is the Chief Executive Officer of the Police Division and is responsible for its operation.

A. FISCAL MANAGEMENT

The Fiscal Management Unit is responsible for budget operations, procurement, payroll, planning and grants administration; duties include, but are not limited to:

a. Budget development, oversight and management are provided by the Fiscal Manager.

b. Staff Technicians are responsible for all purchases, contract management for inventory control, resolving issues with vendors or Division units to ensure satisfactory resolution of problems related to equipment, material receipts or invoices.

c. The Payroll Specialists are responsible for all payroll administration, to include: full and part time payroll, court, holiday and overtime pay and the administration of all associated payroll and leave records.

1. Police Systems / I.T.

The Police Systems/I.T. Unit is comprised of a System Administrator and a Technology Support Specialist, who are directly supervised and managed by the Police Division’s Network Manager. The Police Systems/I.T. Unit collectively reports to the Fiscal Manager and

a. Maintains the division’s computing needs.

b. Maintains the division’s in-house electronic mail system.

c. Provides connectivity to division computer programs.

d. Ensures network accessibility and security.

e. Maintains network printing.

f. Ensures connectivity with City Hall and the regional LINX network.

g. Performs daily extraction of criminal data to update the regional LINX network.



h. Performs regular backups of all data stored on the division’s servers.

i. Provides remote access to field offices.

j. Evaluates, recommends and purchases new software packages.

k. Evaluates, recommends and purchases new network and workstation computing assets.

l. Conducts training on division software.

B. HAMPTON ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM (H.A.R.T.)

The Hampton Animal Response Team (formerly known as the Animal Control Unit) assists the division and community through investigation of all animal complaints. H.A.R.T. Officers work 10-hour shifts and rotate on-call status, providing emergency services after hours. The Unit is commanded by a Deputy Manager who reports directly to the Chief of Police. The shift responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

1. Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.

2. Maintains documents in accordance with state and local laws.

3. Notifies Health Department of animal-human exposures.

4. Maintains Dangerous Dog Registry for Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

5. Issue warnings or citations in connection with animal-related offenses.

6. Transport injured animals to receive veterinary treatment.

7. Transport stray animals to appropriate shelter facility.

8. Continually train and maintain an efficient level of proficiency as required by Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).

C. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT

1. Accreditation / Inspections The Accreditation function will ensure that the Division is in compliance with all appropriate accreditation standards identified by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA); responsible for development of new policies as required and that all policies and procedures are reviewed and updated as needed. This position is also responsible for Staff Inspections within the Division.



2. Court Liaison The Court Liaison Sergeant shall serve as an intermediary between the Hampton Police Division and the courts, including the offices of the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the City Attorney.

3. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

The EEO has two goals:

a. Ensure fair opportunity exists in recruiting and selecting well qualified persons to become Hampton Police Division employees.

b. Administration of the development and training activities ensuring fair opportunities exist for career development and progression for all employees.

4. Internal Affairs

The Internal Affairs Unit shall have oversight by the Professional Standards Branch Commander at the direction of the Chief of Police. The responsibility of the Internal Affairs Unit is for the protection of the public, of the Division, and of the employee. To carry out this responsibility, the Internal Affairs Unit will concentrate on the detection, investigation and adjudication of allegations of misconduct to assure the integrity of the entire Division through proper investigative processes.

5. Hampton Police Academy (formerly Training Unit)

The Hampton Police Academy is responsible for various administrative functions of the Police Department. The Academy organizes all Division training to include, firearms, first aid, tactics, interrogation techniques, use of force, and the implementation of Procedural Justice.

The Academy has the responsibility of ensuring that all Division personnel receive the best training available. In order to meet this goal, the Academy performs the following functions:

i. Determines training needs.

ii. Develops in-house training programs.

iii. Locates training programs conducted by other agencies.

iv. Schedules personnel for training.

v. Schedules instructors.

vi. Maintains records of training received by all personnel.

vii. Maintains and operates the Division’s weapons range.



viii. Manages and oversees the Hampton Police Division’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

6. Personnel / Recruiting

The Personnel / Recruiting Unit is responsible for managing employee transactions. Recruiting is responsible for the processing and screening of all new applications, both police and civilians. Recruiting also performs the following functions:

i. Conducts background investigations on all new applicants.

ii. Administers the selection process.

iii. Maintains records on applicants.

iv. Refers qualified applicants to the Chief of Police for selection.

v. Ensures compliance with all applicable Federal guidelines on hiring.

vi. Coordinates the Annual Employee Evaluation process.

D. PROJECT AND GRANTS COORDINATOR

The Project and Grants Coordinator manages all aspects of the Division’s grant programs, and handles special projects as requested including a variety of complex and confidential administrative support activities for the Chief of Police.

E. PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICERS (PIO) / SOCIAL MEDIA

The Public Information Officers / Social Media Unit shall report directly to the Chief of Police for any and all PIO functions which includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. All publicity of the division shall be administered through the PIO.

2. Maintains all social media websites for the division.

3. Handles any meetings for the Chief of Police at his request.

F. SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Senior Administrative Assistant performs a variety of complex and confidential administrative support activities for the Chief of Police; coordinates activities between units within the department; and supervises clerical support as assigned to the office of the Chief of Police.



II. SUPPORT SERVICES BRANCH

The Support Services Branch is responsible for the administration of various support activities within the Division.

A. REAL TIME INFORMATION CENTER (RTIC)

The Real Time Information Center uses state-of-the-art technology to provide field officers and detectives real-time information to help identify patterns, hot spot areas and to assist in stopping emerging crime. The RTIC is commanded by a Lieutenant who reports to the Deputy Branch Commander of Support Services. 1. 911 Emergency Communications Center

The 911 Emergency Communications Center is part of the Support Services Branch and reports to the RTIC Lieutenant. They are responsible for the answering of all incoming 911 and non-emergency calls and for the dispatching of appropriate assets to handle those situations.

2. Planning, Research and Analysis Unit

The Planning, Research and Analysis Unit (PRAU) is assigned to the Support Services Branch, Real Time Information Center and its members report directly to the Support Services Branch, RTIC Lieutenant. This Unit is responsible for the following:

a. Collection and collation of crime data, analysis and generation of crime statistics.

b. Identifying and analyzing methods of operation of individual criminals; providing crime pattern recognition and data from field interviews and arrests to operational units.

c. Crime Analysts prepare and distribute periodic reports detailing criminal activity in addition to producing analytical reports.

d. Crime Intel personnel are tasked with the collection and analysis of intelligence data, from both within the Hampton Police organization and from other external agencies.

e. Program evaluation, research and development.

f. Provides assistance and information of a technical nature, as directed.

g. Conducts operational analysis, as requested.



h. Development and revision of the Division’s Emergency Operations Plan (OPLAN 1)

i. Special projects, as assigned.

B. HOMELAND SECURITY UNIT

The Homeland Security Unit works at the direction of the Support Services Branch Deputy Commander. Because the Hampton Police Division is involved in coordinating with public and private entities as well as local, state, and federal agencies, the Homeland Security Unit is assigned to ensure that the Division is working to improve capabilities to deter, detect, and ultimately thwart terrorism within the City. The unit also manages the Division’s Marine Patrol as well as the Patrol Boats that are used to promote safe boating, provide search and rescue operations when needed, enforce city, state and federal laws pertaining to small boat operations and provide any other marine services as approved by the Chief of Police.

D. SPECIAL PROJECTS

The Special Projects Lieutenant works at the direction of the Support Services Deputy Branch Commander, developing and implementing new programs and initiatives. The Unit Sergeant manages division resources to include vehicles, radars/lidars, tint meters, and body worn cameras. The unit also monitors critical assets to ensure calibration and legal certification standards are maintained. Coordination with the City Garage or other contracted services for all maintenance and servicing of the motor vehicles of the Police Division. Additionally, they manage the extra duty contracts to include scheduling assignments and payroll administration to Fiscal Management.

1. Police Records

The Police Records Unit is assigned to the Special Projects Commander of the Support Services Branch. This a staff unit responsible for the administration of Records activities within the Division to include coordination of warrants, concealed weapons permits and special police officer processing for the courts. The Records Unit manages the following.

i. Maintains all criminal and traffic arrest records.

ii. Record checks for applications intended for public vehicle operator’s licenses.

iii. Maintains records on all cases investigated by the Police Division.

iv. Maintains accident reports.



v. Maintains a warrant file.

vi. Coordinates parking ticket records with the Treasurer’s Office.

vii. Maintains and provides statistical data.

viii. Maintains a file of Federal Firearms License holders.

ix. The Records Unit also maintains the Case Quality Control Unit, which is responsible for conducting an audit of, and reviewing crime reports for completeness and accuracy. In addition, the unit maintains Incident Base Report (IBR) records and a criminal activity data base.

x. Manages the daily operations of the Information Center.

a. Fugitive & Warrant Squad

Officers assigned to the Fugitive & Warrant Squad are responsible for the service of unserved arrest warrants for a variety of offenses from serious felonies, summons, appearance in court, as well as the service of protective orders. Warrant officers also perform a variety of prisoner transport duties to include mental health commitments.

2. Project Manager

The Project Manager Sergeant is responsible for the overall charge of the planning, procuring and execution of assigned projects by the Support Services Branch, Special Projects Lieutenant or designee, in any undertaking that has a defined scope, start and finish. The Project Manager is also responsible for the repair and maintenance needs of the Police Division.

3. Property & Evidence

The Property and Evidence Unit is assigned to and reports to the Special Projects Commander of Support Services and is responsible for the following:

a. Custody of all property turned in to the Police Division as either found, recovered or evidentiary.

b. Maintaining all property records.

c. Disposal of property in accordance with Division policy and law.



d. Keeping records on the disposition of property.

e. Supplying property to the courts for trial.

f. Custodian of all police supplies and equipment.

g. Keeping police equipment in a state of operational readiness.

h. Issuance of police supplies and equipment.

i. Procurement of the Division’s uniforms, equipment and office supplies.

4. School Resource Officers (SRO)

The School Resource Officer Unit is assigned to and directly supervised by the Special Projects Commander. School Resource Officers serve as resources in various capacities to students, staff, and parents in all Hampton public middle and high schools. Responsibilities include:

a. Investigation of criminal activity occurring in schools or on school grounds.

b. Enforcement of truancy laws.

c. Establish and maintain good relations with school officials.

d. Oversees the School Crossing Guards

5. Special Events:

The Special Events Unit reports directly to the Support Services Branch, Special Projects Unit Commander. This Unit manages, coordinates and assists with all special events for the city sponsored events, and community / neighborhood events. This unit shall manage the taxi permits/inspections, towing and abandoned vehicles and trailers; and shall oversee the Patrol Service Officers whose primary functions, include, but are not limited to:

a. Issuing parking tickets.

b. Complete IBR Reports for minor incidents with no suspect information.

c. Assisting with School Crossing Guard functions, as needed.

d. Handles traffic control for various events and businesses.

e. Takes care of receiving and distributing division mail.



f. Any other duties as assigned.

III. OPERATIONS BRANCH

The Operations Branch responsibilities include:

A. BID UNIT (Business Improvement District Unit)

The BID Unit focuses on “tourist-oriented” policing. It is committed to providing a high quality service in a “Customer Delight” fashion that will continue to support customers, visitors, and tourists, who will continue to visit and shop in Coliseum Central and Downtown business areas, now and in the future.

B. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT UNIT

The Community Engagement Unit works at the direction of the Operations Branch Commander. This unit develops and implements comprehensive crime prevention procedures and programs designed to anticipate, recognize and appraise crime risks and initiate action to remove or reduce such risks. Some of these specific goals include:

a. To coordinate the activities of the Division in the field of crime prevention.

b. To prepare and implement programs dealing with the prevention of crime and loss of property.

c. To educate all personnel of the Division in the importance of participating in crime prevention efforts.

d. To educate the public, home and business owners of designed programs for optimum protection.

e. To coordinate designed programs with civic, business and private groups toward common goals of crime prevention.

f. To perform security surveys for home owners and business establishments upon request.

g. To implement and participate in programs geared toward the prevention of juvenile delinquency.

h. To participate in the site plan reviews with other city agencies, for proposed construction.

i. To establish and maintain a Neighborhood Watch Program.

j. Planning all police/community relations activities.



k. Keeping the Chief of Police abreast on all matters pertaining to public relations and community concerns.

l. Establish and maintain a line of open communication between the community and the Division.

m. Promote proper attitude of all members with the citizens of the community.

n. Educate the community on the role of the Division and the police officer in our society.

C. TRAFFIC UNIT

This unit is established to handle targeted traffic enforcement areas throughout the city as assigned and to conduct out of city hit and run accident follow-ups that require investigative follow-ups outside of the city limits. This unit oversees the operation of the Motor Carrier Enforcement Team and assists with its initiatives both in the city and with other regional motor carrier units. This unit shall also manage the Fatality Team.

D. UNIFORM PATROL

The Uniform Patrol consists of four Patrol Units / Platoons working two shifts (Day and Night). The City is divided into two Sectors – Chesapeake and Wythe - with each Sector working a Day Shift and a Night Shift. Each shift is commanded by a Lieutenant and three Sergeants; one Sergeant on each shift serves as the Community Problem Oriented Policing (CPOP) officer whose primary function is to work closely with citizens and businesses for the betterment of the community. Officers work 12-hour shifts either on A-Squad or B-Squad with shift hours from 0700 – 1900 or 0730 – 1930. Uniform shifts are on fixed rotating schedules where Officers rotate days off, designated as A-days or B-days. An officer’s days off and duty hours can be determined by referring to the Duty Roster. The shift responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

a. Enforcement of state and local ordinances.

b. Answering citizens’ complaints (Calls for Service - CFS).

c. Responding to requests by citizens and the community.

d. Services rendered to community organizations and social groups.

e. Initial investigations of crimes that have occurred.

f. Provide appropriate community policing assistance to the citizens and businesses.

g. Traffic enforcement.



h. CPOP in which officers proactively identify and target problems that contribute to crime, disorder, and other community issues.

IV. INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES BRANCH

Investigative Services is responsible for the investigation of crimes within the City of Hampton. The units are involved in a concentrated effort to gather and utilize informant information as well as developing expertise and technical surveillance capabilities in the location, identification and investigation of criminals and fencing operations.

Investigative Services is divided into five separate units: Crimes Against Persons; Crimes Against Property, Forensics, Gang Intelligence Unit, and the Special Investigations Unit.

A. CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS UNIT

The Crimes Against Persons Unit is responsible for the investigation of the following crimes, to including, but not limited to:

a. Murder

b. Rape

c. Robbery (armed and by force)

d. Aggravated Assault

e. Missing Persons / Runaways

f. Annoying / Obscene Phone Calls

g. Provides for the Division Victim/Witness Program Liaison, working closely with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Coordinator.

h. All other crimes against persons

1. ATF Task Force

The Crimes Against Persons Unit has assigned a Task Force Officer (TFO) to the Alcohol Tobacco Firearm and Explosives Task Force (ATF). The TFO is responsible for coordinating the investigative efforts of weapon law violations with a nexus to federal prosecution, to include, but not limited to:

a. Adult felons with firearms.

b. Distribution of narcotics and firearms.



c. Gangs and firearms.

d. Business robberies with firearms and drug robberies.

2. Violent Crime & Gang Unit

The Violent Crime & Gang Unit is assigned to the Crimes Against Persons Unit, reporting directly to the assigned Lieutenant. responsible for specifically investigating shootings and violent career criminals, including both adults and juveniles, and their potential affiliation to gang associations. This task force will focus on identifying links between firearm cases and serial shooters within the city in order to analyze patterns, investigate those connections, and build strong cases for prosecution in support of the Division’s mission to reduce crime and enhance the safety and quality of life for citizens.

B. CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY UNIT

The Crimes Against Property Unit is responsible for the investigation of the following crimes to including but not limited to:

a. Burglary

b. Larceny

c. Auto Theft

d. Forgery and related offenses

e. Vandalism

f. All other property crimes

1. Forensic Unit

The Forensic Unit is assigned to the Crimes Against Property Unit and is responsible for the following:

a. To respond to any crime scene when requested for the collection of evidence.

b. For photographs at the scene of a major crime or serious accident.

c. For retrieving prints at the crime scene. AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Information System) is used in matching prints left at the scene with fingerprints of persons on file in the system.

d. Tool and pry marks relevant to the investigation of a crime, and crime scene sketches.



e. Responding to the scene on any occasion in which an officer feels that the Forensic Search Unit could assist in the collection of evidence necessary for a complete investigation of the crime.

C. JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCE (JTTF)

The Joint Terrorism Task Force Officer (TFO) is assigned to the Commander of the Investigative Services Branch. The TFO is assigned in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to deter, detect, and prosecute cases of terrorism including foreign and domestic cases. The TFO is a direct liaison to the FBI and shares local information to assist in cases and provide critical information to sworn division members. The TFO routinely provides division training, community outreach and responds to all suspicious device dispatches. The TFO also assists other officers in their investigations by utilizing FBI investigative resources. The TFO also routinely assists other local, state and federal agencies with cases, search warrants, surveillance and arrest operations.

D. SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT

The Special Investigations Unit has the duties and responsibilities of investigating the following cases:

a. Narcotics trafficking

b. Organized Crime

c. Vice and other related investigations

i. Prostitution / Human Trafficking

ii. Pornography

iii. Gambling

iv. Alcohol violations

The Special Investigations Unit is also heavily involved in the Division’s Community Policing Program. Through ongoing interaction with community leaders, concerned citizens, and neighborhood groups, officers assigned to the Special Investigations Unit can respond quickly and effectively to citizens’ complaints and community issues. The Special Investigations Unit also includes the Community Response Team, as well as the DEA, FBI Safe Streets and HRPDI Task Forces.

1. Mid-Level Squad

Commonly referred to as “A Squad”, this section is comprised of highly motivated and experienced detectives and investigators whose primary mission is mid-level narcotics, organized crime and vice investigations.



The detectives and investigators build cases based on information received from a variety of sources including patrol officers, community members, confidential informants, and other law enforcement agencies. Investigations can range from arresting street level dealers and shutting down a nuisance property, to long term investigations that dismantle drug trafficking organizations

2. Community Response Team

The Community Response Team conducts targeted and mission oriented policing activities. The officers that comprise this team are highly motivated individuals whose primary responsibility is to combat street level crimes that reduce the quality of life in our city such as narcotics, robberies, burglaries and prostitution. They are often called upon to adapt their schedules and tactics as needed, often on very short notice.

3. DEA Task Force

The Hampton Police Division has an assigned Task Force Officer (TFO) to the Peninsula Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force. This Task Force is comprised of DEA agents along with state and local officers tasked with complex long term investigations of Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs) within the Peninsula and surrounding area.

4. FBI Safe Streets Task Force

The Hampton Police Division has an assigned Task Force Officer (TFO) to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Safe Streets Task Force. This Task Force is focused primarily upon street gang and drug-related violence by teaming federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors to conduct long-term, proactive investigations.

5. Hampton Roads Peninsula Drug Initiative (HRPDI)

The Hampton Police Division has assigned Task Force Officers (TFOs) to the HRPDI which is a partnership with the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (W/B HIDTA). Members assigned to this Unit are supervised by the Special Investigations Unit Commander.

The HIDTA Program is a federal grant program administered by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and provides resources to assist federal, state, local and tribal agencies in coordinating activities that address drug trafficking in specially designated areas of the United States.

http://www.hidta.org/

http://www.hidta.org/



V. SPECIAL OPERATIONS

Special Operations Teams are manned from resources assigned to various units throughout the organization. The Special Operations units may be assigned to a shift or may be on call depending on the particular specialty.

A. BIKE PATROL

The use of bicycles by the Hampton Police Division is recognized as a valuable addition to the various patrol methods currently utilized. The police bicycles are utilized to provide an improved level of service to the community, and also have participation from the BID unit. Their efforts are accomplished through proactive utilization in crime detection, enforcement and crime prevention methods supporting the Division’s community policing goals. Unit commanders are responsible for the daily operation and effectiveness of the bicycle patrol. The Bike Patrol works both the Wythe and Chesapeake sectors on all shifts.

B. CRISIS NEGOTIATION TEAM (C.N.T.)

The Crisis Negotiation Team is assigned to the Commander of the Operations Branch. The Team functions in a similar fashion as the Tactical Unit.

The Chief Crisis Negotiator and other members of the Crisis Negotiation Team perform other primary duties within the Division until the Team is activated, at which time the team works in conjunction with the Tactical Unit in hostage/barricaded person situations.

C. JOINT POLICE AND FIRE DIVE TEAM

The Joint Police and Fire Dive Team consists of officers from the Hampton Police Division and the Hampton Fire Division. The Unit is comprised of selected members whose eligibility is based upon demonstrated skills and experience. The Dive Team is not a full time assignment, as the officers perform other primary duties within the Division. During situations that require underwater search and recovery, the unit is activated and members respond to the call utilizing their special training and equipment. Dive Team training and operations are administered and coordinated through the Police Division’s Homeland Security Unit.

D. HONOR GUARD

The Hampton Police Division Honor Guard was established to represent the Police Division and the citizens of Hampton at police funerals, parades and other ceremonial occasions. It is our intention to assist all officers and their families during their time of duress. We are dedicated to those who have served before us with great sacrifice and commitment to the safety and protection of the City of Hampton. The Honor Guard was formed in the late 1980s as a 17-member unit and is recognized as the representative memorial unit of the Hampton Police Division.



The Honor Guard portrays a uniform, professional image when representing the Division in an official capacity during public functions, and when honoring members of the Law Enforcement community and their families who have paid the ultimate sacrifice

E. JOINT POLICE AND FIRE UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) UNIT

The Joint Hampton Police and Fire Division’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Unit assists the Hampton Police and Fire Divisions with aerial support during emergency and non-emergency situations. The Joint UAV Unit will be comprised of both police and fire personnel trained in the use of UAV systems to support both divisions. Police members of this unit shall be supervised by the Operations Branch, Community Engagement Unit and shall serve in this position as a supplementary role in addition to their full-time assignment within the Police Division.

F. K-9 CORPS

The K-9 Corps has the responsibility of support to district officers. The K-9 Corps must perform other duties, some of which include, but are not limited to:

a. Providing a partnership between officer and animal, to assist the Division in the prevention and detection of crime and the tracking of persons sought by the Division.

b. Both officer and animal to continually train and maintain an efficient level of proficiency for effective use by the Division.

G. MARINE PATROL ANCILLIARY UNIT

The Marine Patrol Ancillary Unit assists the Homeland Security Unit members and the Hampton Fire Marine Division with duties such as maritime law enforcement patrols, security operations, and search and rescue missions. Members of the unit shall be supervised by the Support Services Branch, Homeland Security Unit and shall serve in this position as a supplementary role in addition to their full-time assignment within the Police Division.

H. MOBILE RESPONSE TEAM (M.R.T.)

The Mobile Response Team (MRT) is a rapid crisis, advanced de-escalation response team designed to handle unusual situations, including but not limited to:

a. Immediate response to critical or unusual incidents where additional resources are required.

b. Contain and de-escalate dangerous situations.

c. Civil disorder response during civil unrest events.



d. Safely removing protestors involved in criminal behavior during unruly demonstrations.

e. Providing augmented patrol presence during large scale events throughout the city.

All MRT officers are certified in crisis intervention and train in different environments to include training with other regional law enforcement rapid response teams. MRT is not a full time assignment, as the officers perform other primary duties within the Division.

I. SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS UNIT (S.W.A.T. or Tactical Unit)

The SWAT/Tactical Unit is not a full time assignment, as the officers perform other primary duties within the Division. The unit is called upon when officers are faced with situations that have a heightened propensity for violence that they are not trained to or equipped to handle. (i.e. barricaded subjects, hostage situations, high risk warrant service, or arrests of persons expected to be armed or extremely violent) The Unit is activated and members respond to the priority call utilizing their special training and equipment.

Documents

Organizational Plan - Hampton